At the A1 level, you do not need to use the word 보편적 (universal) in your own speaking or writing, as it is quite advanced and formal. However, it is good to recognize it if you see it. At this stage, you are learning basic words for 'all' (모두, 다) or 'common' (보통). Think of 보편적 as a very big, formal word that means 'for everyone in the world'. For example, if someone talks about things that every human needs, like water or love, they might use this word. You might see it in the title of a documentary or a news headline. Do not worry about memorizing its exact grammar yet. Just know that when you see '보편', it means something very wide and applying to all people. Focus on simpler words like 보통 (usually) or 많이 (a lot) for your own sentences. As you grow your vocabulary, you will slowly transition from saying 'everyone does this' to using sophisticated words like 보편적. For now, treat it as a 'bonus' word to recognize.
At the A2 level, you are starting to read slightly longer texts and might encounter 보편적 in simple articles or when people are talking about general facts. You still do not need to actively use it, but understanding its meaning will help you comprehend more complex sentences. You know the word 일반적 (general) by now; think of 보편적 as a stronger, more formal version of that. It means 'universal'. You might see it in phrases like 보편적인 생각 (universal thought) or 보편적인 문제 (universal problem). When you read, try to notice how it is used to describe things that are true for everyone, not just one person or one country. For example, the idea that families are important is a 보편적 idea. You can start practicing recognizing the '-적' suffix, which turns nouns into adjectives. So, 보편 (universality) becomes 보편적 (universal). While you should stick to easier words in your daily conversations, knowing this word will give you a head start when you move to intermediate Korean.
At the B1 level, you should start actively understanding and occasionally using 보편적 in your writing, especially if you are preparing for the TOPIK exam. This word is crucial for expressing ideas about society, culture, and human nature. You should know the difference between 일반적 (general/common) and 보편적 (universal). Use 보편적 when you want to talk about things that apply across different cultures or times. For example, you can write sentences like '음악은 보편적인 언어입니다' (Music is a universal language). You should also learn the adverb form, 보편적으로 (universally/generally), which is very useful for starting sentences in essays: '보편적으로 사람들은...' (Universally, people...). Pay attention to the collocations, such as 보편적 가치 (universal value) and 보편적 권리 (universal right). Using this word correctly shows that you can think and express yourself beyond simple daily routines and can discuss abstract concepts. Practice using it in your journal when reflecting on global issues or human emotions.
At the B2 level, 보편적 should be an active and comfortable part of your vocabulary. You are expected to use it accurately in both spoken debates and written essays. This word is a powerful tool for structuring arguments. You should be able to contrast it with words like 특수적 (specific/particular) to show nuanced thinking. For instance, in a TOPIK II essay, you might write about how a specific cultural trait (특수성) can also have universal appeal (보편성). You must master the various forms: 보편적이다 (is universal), 보편적인 (universal - adjective), and 보편적으로 (universally - adverb). You should also be familiar with compound terms frequently used in news and politics, such as 보편적 복지 (universal welfare). At this level, making the mistake of using 보편적 for trivial, everyday things (like eating habits) should be avoided; reserve it for grander concepts like human rights, ethics, scientific laws, and global phenomena. Your ability to deploy this word appropriately demonstrates your advanced command of formal Korean.
At the C1 level, your use of 보편적 should be highly nuanced and native-like. You are not just using it to mean 'everywhere'; you are engaging with the philosophical and sociological weight of the word. You should comfortably read and discuss academic texts that debate the existence of 보편적 진리 (universal truths) versus cultural relativism. You can use it to critique arguments, pointing out when an assumption lacks 보편적 타당성 (universal validity). You should seamlessly integrate related vocabulary, such as 보편화되다 (to become universalized) and 보편주의 (universalism). In professional or academic presentations, you can use this word to elevate your discourse, discussing how local strategies can be adapted to meet 보편적 기준 (universal standards). Your understanding of the word extends to its subtle connotations—how it can sometimes be used politically to enforce a dominant viewpoint under the guise of 'universality'. You manipulate the word effortlessly across complex grammatical structures to express highly abstract and sophisticated ideas.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 보편적 is absolute. You understand its etymological roots in Hanja and can discuss its historical and cultural implications in Korean literature and philosophy. You can effortlessly navigate complex academic discourse, dissecting the tension between 보편성 (universality) and 다원성 (plurality). You use the word not just correctly, but with stylistic elegance, choosing it over synonyms precisely for its rhetorical impact. In writing, you might explore how globalization forces a redefinition of 보편적 인류애 (universal love for humanity) in the face of local crises. You can spontaneously generate complex, multi-clause sentences where 보편적 serves as a key conceptual pivot. Your usage reflects a deep, intuitive grasp of the Korean intellectual tradition, allowing you to engage in debates with native scholars, authors, and professionals on equal footing, using the vocabulary of universality to articulate profound insights into the human condition.

보편적 30秒了解

  • Means 'universal' or 'general'.
  • Used for values, rights, and truths.
  • Contrasts with 'specific' (특수적).
  • Formal and academic tone.

The Korean word 보편적 (bo-pyeon-jeok) is a highly essential vocabulary item, particularly for learners aiming for the B2 level and beyond. It translates to 'universal' or 'general' in English and is used to describe concepts, values, phenomena, or truths that apply to all people, things, or situations, regardless of specific contexts, cultures, or time periods. To truly grasp the depth of this word, we must look at its Hanja roots: 普 (보 - wide/universal), 遍 (편 - everywhere/all over), and 的 (적 - suffix meaning 'relating to' or 'having the property of'). When combined, these characters form a concept that transcends individual differences, pointing towards a shared human experience or a universally applicable rule. Understanding 보편적 is crucial for engaging in higher-level discussions in Korean, such as those concerning human rights, philosophy, sociology, and global trends. In modern Korean society, as globalization increases, the discourse around what constitutes a 'universal value' (보편적 가치) has become increasingly prominent. Whether you are reading a news article about international relations, listening to a debate on social welfare, or writing an academic essay, you will frequently encounter this term. It serves as a bridge between the specific and the general, allowing speakers to elevate their arguments from personal anecdotes to broader, universally recognized truths. The usage of the suffix '-적' is also a key grammatical point here. It transforms the noun '보편' (universality) into an adjective or determiner. Thus, '보편적' can be used directly before a noun (e.g., 보편적 권리 - universal rights) or combined with the copula '이다' to form a predicate (e.g., 그것은 보편적이다 - that is universal). Furthermore, it can take the adverbial particle '으로' to become '보편적으로' (universally/generally). Grasping these syntactic variations is just as important as understanding the semantic meaning. As you integrate this word into your vocabulary, you will find your ability to express complex, abstract ideas in Korean significantly enhanced. It is a word that carries weight and intellectual rigor, signaling to your listener or reader that you are capable of nuanced, sophisticated thought.

Hanja Breakdown
普 (보): Universal, widespread. 遍 (편): Everywhere, all over. 的 (적): Suffix for 'relating to'.
Core Concept
Applicability to all cases without exception; transcending specific boundaries.
Contrasting Idea
특수적 (Specific/Particular) - applying only to certain cases or under specific conditions.

인권은 모든 인간이 누려야 할 보편적 권리입니다.

Human rights are a universal right that all humans should enjoy.

사랑과 슬픔은 인류의 보편적인 감정이다.

Love and sadness are universal emotions of humanity.

그의 이론은 보편적 타당성을 가지고 있다.

His theory has universal validity.

이러한 현상은 전 세계적으로 보편적으로 나타납니다.

This phenomenon appears universally around the world.

우리는 보편적 복지 제도를 지향해야 합니다.

We must aim for a universal welfare system.

Using 보편적 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its typical collocations. As a word ending in the suffix '-적', it functions primarily as a noun modifier, a predicate, or an adverb base. Let us explore these three primary usages in exhaustive detail. First, as a noun modifier (관형어), it takes the form 보편적인 (bo-pyeon-jeok-in) or simply 보편적 followed directly by a noun. For example, '보편적인 진리' (universal truth) or '보편적 가치' (universal value). In formal writing, dropping the '인' is very common and sounds more academic or journalistic. When you write '보편적 복지' (universal welfare), it feels like a solid, established compound noun. Second, as a predicate (서술어), it combines with the copula '이다' to become 보편적이다 (bo-pyeon-jeok-i-da). You would use this at the end of a sentence to describe the subject. For instance, '이러한 감정은 매우 보편적이다' (This emotion is very universal). Depending on the politeness level, this can conjugate to 보편적입니다, 보편적이에요, or 보편적이야. Third, as an adverb (부사어), it takes the particle '으로' to become 보편적으로 (bo-pyeon-jeok-eu-ro), meaning 'universally' or 'generally'. This form is incredibly useful when describing how an action is performed or how a state exists across a wide spectrum. For example, '스마트폰은 현대 사회에서 보편적으로 사용된다' (Smartphones are universally used in modern society). Beyond the grammar, the context of use is vital. 보편적 is a formal word. You would not typically use it to describe everyday, mundane commonalities like 'It is universal to eat rice in Korea' (though grammatically fine, '일반적' or '흔하다' is better there). Instead, reserve 보편적 for grander concepts: human rights, scientific laws, philosophical truths, global economic trends, and fundamental human emotions. It elevates your speech, showing that you are thinking on a macro level. When engaging in debates, using phrases like '보편적 기준에 따르면' (according to universal standards) can lend significant weight to your arguments. Mastery of this word involves knowing not just how to construct sentences with it, but knowing *when* its formal, expansive tone is appropriate.

Modifier Form
보편적(인) + Noun. Example: 보편적인 원리 (Universal principle).
Predicate Form
Noun + 은/는 보편적이다. Example: 그 생각은 보편적이다 (That thought is universal).
Adverbial Form
보편적으로 + Verb. Example: 보편적으로 인정받다 (To be universally recognized).

이 규칙은 모든 학생에게 보편적으로 적용됩니다.

This rule is applied universally to all students.

그것은 특정 문화에 국한되지 않은 보편적인 현상입니다.

It is a universal phenomenon not limited to a specific culture.

예술은 인류의 보편적 언어라고 할 수 있다.

Art can be called the universal language of humanity.

모든 생명체는 생존하려는 보편적 본능을 지닌다.

All living things possess a universal instinct to survive.

그의 작품은 시대를 초월한 보편적 호소력을 갖는다.

His work has a universal appeal that transcends time.

The term 보편적 is ubiquitous in formal, academic, and professional Korean contexts. If you are preparing for the TOPIK II exam, particularly the reading and writing sections (questions 40-50 and the essay), this word is practically guaranteed to appear. It is a staple of news broadcasts, especially when anchors and reporters discuss international affairs, human rights issues, or global economic trends. For instance, when the United Nations issues a statement, Korean news will often translate 'universal human rights' as '보편적 인권'. In the realm of politics and social policy, the debate between '보편적 복지' (universal welfare, where everyone receives benefits regardless of income) and '선별적 복지' (selective welfare, where only those in need receive benefits) is a constant, recurring theme in Korean elections and legislative discussions. You will hear politicians arguing passionately about whether a new policy meets the standards of '보편적 타당성' (universal validity). In academia, whether you are studying sociology, philosophy, literature, or science, the concept of universality is foundational. A literature professor might discuss the '보편적 감성' (universal sensibility) in a classic novel, explaining why a story written hundreds of years ago still resonates with modern readers. A science documentary might explain how the laws of physics are '우주에서 보편적으로 작용한다' (act universally in the universe). Even in corporate environments, during strategic meetings, a CEO might talk about creating a product with '보편적 디자인' (universal design) that appeals to a global market rather than a niche local demographic. While you might not hear it in a casual chat at a cafe about what to eat for lunch, you will certainly hear it if that cafe conversation turns into a deep philosophical discussion about the meaning of life or the state of the world. Therefore, tuning your ear to catch 보편적 will help you navigate the more intellectual and serious spheres of Korean society, allowing you to comprehend and participate in high-level discourse.

News & Politics
Frequently used in debates about welfare (보편적 복지) and human rights.
Academia
Used to describe theories, laws, and truths that apply across disciplines.
TOPIK II Exams
A high-frequency vocabulary word in advanced reading passages and essay prompts.

뉴스: 정부는 보편적 기본소득 도입을 검토 중입니다.

News: The government is considering the introduction of a universal basic income.

다큐멘터리: 중력은 우주 어디에서나 보편적으로 작용하는 힘입니다.

Documentary: Gravity is a force that acts universally anywhere in the universe.

토론: 그것은 보편적 상식에 어긋나는 행동입니다.

Debate: That is a behavior that goes against universal common sense.

문학 강의: 셰익스피어의 비극은 인간의 보편적 고뇌를 담고 있습니다.

Literature Lecture: Shakespeare's tragedies contain the universal agony of humans.

비즈니스: 우리는 글로벌 시장을 위한 보편적 기준을 마련해야 합니다.

Business: We need to establish universal standards for the global market.

A frequent stumbling block for learners using 보편적 is confusing it with other words that mean 'general' or 'common', such as 일반적 (general), 평범한 (ordinary), or 흔한 (common). While these words share semantic overlap, their nuances and appropriate contexts differ significantly. The most common mistake is using 보편적 to describe mundane, everyday occurrences. For example, a learner might say '한국에서 김치를 먹는 것은 보편적이다' (Eating kimchi in Korea is universal). While grammatically correct and understandable, it sounds slightly overly dramatic or philosophical. A better choice here would be '일반적이다' (general) or '흔하다' (common). 보편적 should be reserved for things that transcend specific groups or are fundamental truths. Another mistake involves the grammatical structure. Learners sometimes forget to add the appropriate particle or suffix, using '보편' as an adjective directly without '-적' or '-적인'. Saying '보편 진리' instead of '보편적 진리' is incorrect. Furthermore, when using it as an adverb, learners might say '보편하게' instead of the correct '보편적으로'. The suffix '-적' almost always takes '-으로' to form an adverb, not '-하게'. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the antonyms. The direct antonym of 보편적 is 특수적 (specific/particular), not 특별한 (special) or 이상한 (strange). If you are contrasting a universal rule with an exception, you should contrast 보편성 (universality) with 특수성 (particularity). Understanding these subtle boundaries is what separates an intermediate speaker from an advanced one. By paying attention to the scale and gravity of the subject you are describing, you can avoid using 보편적 in trivial contexts and instead deploy it powerfully when discussing profound, widespread, or absolute concepts. Always ask yourself: 'Does this apply to almost everyone everywhere, or just most people in this specific situation?' If it is the latter, '일반적' is likely the better choice.

Mistake 1: Trivial Contexts
Using 보편적 for everyday habits instead of 일반적 or 흔한.
Mistake 2: Wrong Adverb Form
Saying 보편하게 instead of the correct 보편적으로.
Mistake 3: Missing Suffix
Using the root noun 보편 directly before another noun without 적/적인.

❌ 한국에서는 매운 음식을 먹는 것이 보편적입니다. (Awkward)

Incorrect: It is universal to eat spicy food in Korea.

✅ 한국에서는 매운 음식을 먹는 것이 일반적입니다. (Natural)

Correct: It is general/common to eat spicy food in Korea.

❌ 이 문제는 보편하게 발생합니다.

Incorrect adverb form.

✅ 이 문제는 보편적으로 발생합니다.

Correct adverb form.

보편 가치를 존중해야 합니다.

Incorrect: Missing the -적 suffix.

To build a robust and nuanced Korean vocabulary, it is essential to understand the subtle differences between 보편적 and its synonyms. The most closely related word is 일반적 (general). While they are often translated similarly, 일반적 refers to something that is common or usual in a majority of cases, but allows for exceptions. It is about statistical frequency or normality. 보편적, on the other hand, implies a deeper, more absolute applicability across all boundaries. For example, it is '일반적' for Koreans to eat rice, but the desire for freedom is a '보편적' human trait. Another similar word is 공통적 (common/shared). 공통적 focuses on the shared characteristics between two or more specific entities. If you are comparing two different cultures and finding similarities, you would discuss their '공통적인 특징' (common characteristics). 보편적 is broader; it doesn't just compare a few things, it encompasses everything. 전반적 (overall/across the board) is used when talking about the entirety of a specific situation or field, such as '전반적인 경제 상황' (the overall economic situation). It does not carry the philosophical weight of universality. Lastly, 대중적 (popular/mass) refers to things that are liked or accessed by the general public, such as '대중적인 음악' (popular music). It is about popularity and accessibility, not universal truth. By distinguishing these terms, you can express your thoughts with pinpoint accuracy. Use 일반적 for the usual, 공통적 for shared traits, 전반적 for the whole picture, 대중적 for the popular, and reserve 보편적 for the truly universal. This level of precision will greatly impress native speakers and elevate your academic and professional writing.

일반적 (General)
Usual, normal, applying to the majority but with exceptions.
공통적 (Common/Shared)
Shared characteristics between specific groups or items.
전반적 (Overall)
Covering the whole of a specific area or situation.

비교: 보편적 진리 (Universal truth) vs 일반적 사실 (General fact).

Universal implies absolute; general implies mostly true.

비교: 두 문화의 공통적 특징.

Common characteristics of two cultures (focus on shared traits).

비교: 사회의 전반적인 분위기.

The overall atmosphere of society (focus on the whole scope).

비교: 대중적인 인기.

Popular appeal (focus on the masses).

결론: 인류의 보편적 가치를 수호하자.

Conclusion: Let's protect the universal values of humanity.

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

Noun + 적 (Suffix turning nouns into adjectives/determiners).

Noun + 적으로 (Suffix turning nouns into adverbs).

Noun + 이다 (Copula used to make predicative adjectives).

按水平分级的例句

1

이것은 보편적인 문제입니다.

This is a universal problem.

보편적인 (universal) + 문제 (problem)

2

사랑은 보편적입니다.

Love is universal.

보편적 (universal) + 입니다 (is)

3

보편적인 생각을 하세요.

Think universal thoughts.

보편적인 (universal) + 생각 (thought)

4

그것은 보편적 가치입니다.

That is a universal value.

보편적 (universal) + 가치 (value)

5

물은 보편적으로 필요합니다.

Water is universally needed.

보편적으로 (universally) + 필요합니다 (is needed)

6

보편적인 규칙이 있어요.

There is a universal rule.

보편적인 (universal) + 규칙 (rule)

7

이 색은 보편적으로 인기가 많아요.

This color is universally popular.

보편적으로 (universally) + 인기 (popularity)

8

우리는 보편적인 것을 좋아해요.

We like universal things.

보편적인 (universal) + 것 (thing)

1

모든 사람에게 보편적인 권리가 있습니다.

Everyone has universal rights.

보편적인 (universal) + 권리 (rights)

2

이 노래는 보편적인 감정을 표현합니다.

This song expresses universal emotions.

보편적인 (universal) + 감정 (emotion)

3

그것은 전 세계적으로 보편적인 현상입니다.

That is a universal phenomenon worldwide.

보편적인 (universal) + 현상 (phenomenon)

4

보편적으로 사람들은 평화를 원합니다.

Universally, people want peace.

보편적으로 (universally) + 사람들은 (people)

5

이 디자인은 아주 보편적입니다.

This design is very universal.

보편적 (universal) + 입니다 (is)

6

우리는 보편적인 기준이 필요해요.

We need a universal standard.

보편적인 (universal) + 기준 (standard)

7

그 이야기는 보편적인 교훈을 줍니다.

The story gives a universal lesson.

보편적인 (universal) + 교훈 (lesson)

8

인터넷은 이제 보편적인 기술이 되었습니다.

The internet has now become a universal technology.

보편적인 (universal) + 기술 (technology)

1

인권은 특정 국가에 국한되지 않는 보편적 가치입니다.

Human rights are a universal value not limited to a specific country.

보편적 (universal) + 가치 (value)

2

예술은 언어의 장벽을 넘는 보편적인 의사소통 수단입니다.

Art is a universal means of communication that crosses language barriers.

보편적인 (universal) + 수단 (means)

3

이러한 사회 문제는 현대 사회에서 보편적으로 나타납니다.

These social problems appear universally in modern society.

보편적으로 (universally) + 나타납니다 (appear)

4

우리는 보편적 복지와 선별적 복지의 장단점을 비교해야 합니다.

We must compare the pros and cons of universal welfare and selective welfare.

보편적 (universal) + 복지 (welfare)

5

그의 철학은 시대를 초월하여 보편적인 공감을 얻고 있습니다.

His philosophy is gaining universal sympathy, transcending time.

보편적인 (universal) + 공감 (sympathy)

6

과학적 진리는 누구에게나 보편적으로 적용되어야 합니다.

Scientific truth must be applied universally to everyone.

보편적으로 (universally) + 적용되다 (be applied)

7

이 법안은 국민의 보편적 정서에 부합하지 않습니다.

This bill does not meet the universal sentiment of the people.

보편적 (universal) + 정서 (sentiment)

8

행복을 추구하는 것은 인간의 보편적인 본성입니다.

Pursuing happiness is a universal human nature.

보편적인 (universal) + 본성 (nature)

1

글로벌 기업들은 다양한 문화권에서 통용될 수 있는 보편적 디자인을 선호합니다.

Global companies prefer universal designs that can be used in diverse cultures.

보편적 (universal) + 디자인 (design)

2

그 소설은 한국의 특수한 역사적 배경을 다루면서도 인류의 보편적 고뇌를 훌륭하게 그려냈습니다.

The novel excellently depicted the universal agony of humanity while dealing with Korea's specific historical background.

보편적 (universal) + 고뇌 (agony)

3

보편적 인권의 개념은 서구 중심적이라는 비판을 받기도 합니다.

The concept of universal human rights is sometimes criticized as being Western-centric.

보편적 (universal) + 인권 (human rights)

4

교육은 계층 이동을 위한 가장 보편적인 사다리 역할을 해왔습니다.

Education has played the role of the most universal ladder for social mobility.

보편적인 (universal) + 사다리 (ladder)

5

이러한 도덕적 원칙은 종교나 이념을 초월하여 보편적 타당성을 지닙니다.

These moral principles possess universal validity, transcending religion or ideology.

보편적 (universal) + 타당성 (validity)

6

최근 정치권에서는 보편적 기본소득 도입을 둘러싼 논쟁이 뜨겁습니다.

Recently in politics, the debate surrounding the introduction of a universal basic income is heated.

보편적 (universal) + 기본소득 (basic income)

7

언어학자들은 모든 언어에 공통으로 존재하는 보편 문법을 연구합니다.

Linguists study universal grammar that exists in common in all languages.

보편 (universal) + 문법 (grammar)

8

환경 문제는 이제 특정 국가의 문제가 아니라 인류가 직면한 보편적 위기입니다.

Environmental issues are no longer a specific country's problem, but a universal crisis faced by humanity.

보편적 (universal) + 위기 (crisis)

1

포스트모더니즘은 절대적이고 보편적인 진리의 존재를 의심하며 다원성을 강조합니다.

Postmodernism doubts the existence of absolute and universal truth and emphasizes plurality.

보편적인 (universal) + 진리 (truth)

2

그의 주장은 특수한 사례를 지나치게 일반화하여 보편적 법칙으로 격상시키려는 오류를 범하고 있다.

His argument commits the fallacy of overly generalizing a specific case and elevating it to a universal law.

보편적 (universal) + 법칙 (law)

3

문화 상대주의는 보편적 윤리 기준의 정립을 어렵게 만드는 딜레마를 안고 있습니다.

Cultural relativism holds a dilemma that makes the establishment of universal ethical standards difficult.

보편적 (universal) + 윤리 (ethics)

4

인공지능의 발달은 노동의 가치에 대한 우리의 보편적 인식을 근본적으로 뒤흔들고 있습니다.

The development of AI is fundamentally shaking our universal perception of the value of labor.

보편적 (universal) + 인식 (perception)

5

이 정책은 보편적 복지의 이념을 실현하기 위한 제도적 초석이 될 것입니다.

This policy will become the institutional cornerstone for realizing the ideology of universal welfare.

보편적 (universal) + 복지 (welfare)

6

예술의 위대함은 지극히 개인적인 경험을 보편적인 공감대로 승화시키는 데 있습니다.

The greatness of art lies in sublimating extremely personal experiences into a universal consensus.

보편적인 (universal) + 공감대 (consensus)

7

국제법은 국가 간의 이해관계를 조율하는 보편적 규범으로서 기능해야 합니다.

International law must function as a universal norm that coordinates the interests between nations.

보편적 (universal) + 규범 (norm)

8

그 학자는 인간의 이타성이 진화론적으로 보편적인 생존 전략임을 입증하려 했습니다.

The scholar tried to prove that human altruism is an evolutionarily universal survival strategy.

보편적인 (universal) + 생존 전략 (survival strategy)

1

칸트의 정언명령은 도덕 법칙의 보편적 입법 가능성을 그 핵심 원리로 삼고 있다.

Kant's categorical imperative takes the possibility of universal legislation of moral law as its core principle.

보편적 (universal) + 입법 (legislation)

2

특수성과 보편성의 변증법적 통일이야말로 헤겔 철학을 관통하는 주요한 사유 체계이다.

The dialectical unity of particularity and universality is indeed the main system of thought penetrating Hegel's philosophy.

보편성 (universality)

3

자본주의의 세계화는 서구적 합리성을 보편적 표준으로 강제하는 이데올로기적 폭력을 수반한다.

The globalization of capitalism entails the ideological violence of enforcing Western rationality as a universal standard.

보편적 (universal) + 표준 (standard)

4

문학 비평에 있어서 텍스트의 역사적 맥락을 소거하고 보편적 미학만을 추출하려는 시도는 위험하다.

In literary criticism, the attempt to erase the historical context of a text and extract only universal aesthetics is dangerous.

보편적 (universal) + 미학 (aesthetics)

5

인류세의 도래는 인간을 지구 환경에 보편적이고 비가역적인 영향을 미치는 지질학적 행위자로 규정한다.

The advent of the Anthropocene defines humans as geological actors exerting a universal and irreversible impact on the Earth's environment.

보편적이고 (universal and)

6

보편주의적 인권 담론이 제국주의적 개입의 구실로 전락하지 않기 위해서는 끊임없는 성찰이 요구된다.

Constant reflection is required so that universalist human rights discourse does not degenerate into a pretext for imperialist intervention.

보편주의적 (universalist)

7

그의 시학은 일상의 비루함 속에서 형이상학적 보편성을 길어 올리는 탁월한 연금술을 보여준다.

His poetics show an outstanding alchemy that draws up metaphysical universality from the baseness of everyday life.

보편성 (universality)

8

현대 민주주의의 위기는 보편적 시민성의 해체와 파편화된 정체성 정치의 득세에서 기인한다.

The crisis of modern democracy originates from the dissolution of universal citizenship and the rise of fragmented identity politics.

보편적 (universal) + 시민성 (citizenship)

近义词

일반적이다 공통적이다 전반적이다 두루미치다

常见搭配

보편적 가치
보편적 인권
보편적 복지
보편적 진리
보편적 원리
보편적 현상
보편적 타당성
보편적 기준
보편적 감정
보편적으로 적용되다

常用短语

보편적인 생각이다
보편적으로 인정받다
보편성을 띠다
보편성을 지니다
보편적 기준에 맞추다
보편적 가치를 추구하다
보편적 복지를 실현하다
보편적 진리를 탐구하다
보편적으로 나타나는 현상
보편적 권리를 보장하다

容易混淆的词

보편적 vs 일반적 (General - implies most cases, but with exceptions)

보편적 vs 평범한 (Ordinary - implies not special or unique)

보편적 vs 공통적 (Common - implies shared traits between specific things)

容易混淆

보편적 vs

보편적 vs

보편적 vs

보편적 vs

보편적 vs

句型

如何使用

nuance

Implies a deep, absolute, or philosophical level of commonality, not just statistical frequency.

formality

High

frequency

High in news/academia, medium in daily life.

常见错误
  • Using 보편적 for simple daily habits (e.g., 보편적으로 아침을 먹는다).
  • Forgetting the '-으로' when using it as an adverb (e.g., 보편하게).
  • Confusing it with 일반적 (general) in contexts where exceptions exist.
  • Using it to describe a person's personality (e.g., 보편적인 사람).
  • Failing to attach the correct particle (e.g., saying 보편 가치 instead of 보편적 가치).

小贴士

The '-적' Suffix

The suffix '-적' is incredibly common in Korean. It turns nouns into modifiers. Whenever you see it, know you can add '인' to modify a noun, '으로' to make an adverb, or '이다' to make a predicate.

Pair with Abstract Nouns

To sound natural, pair '보편적' with abstract, heavy nouns. Words like 가치 (value), 권리 (right), 진리 (truth), and 현상 (phenomenon) are its best friends.

TOPIK Essay Booster

Start your TOPIK essay introduction with '현대 사회에서는 보편적으로...' (Universally in modern society...). It immediately shows the grader you have advanced vocabulary skills.

Universal vs. General

Always ask yourself: 'Is this true for almost everyone, or absolutely everyone?' If it's just 'almost everyone', use 일반적. If it's a fundamental truth, use 보편적.

Welfare Debates

If you watch Korean news, listen for '보편적 복지' (universal welfare) vs '선별적 복지' (selective welfare). It's a key to understanding Korean political divides.

Identifying the Main Idea

In TOPIK reading passages, if the author uses '보편적', they are usually stating their main thesis or a universal law that they will then provide specific examples for.

Formal Presentations

Use this word in university presentations or business meetings. Saying '이것은 보편적인 트렌드입니다' (This is a universal trend) sounds very professional.

Contrast with 특수적

A great way to show advanced language skills is to use antonyms in the same sentence. '한국의 특수성과 인류의 보편성' (Korea's particularity and humanity's universality).

Hanja Power

Remember the Hanja '보' (普) means wide/universal. You will see it in other words like '보급' (widespread distribution) or '보통' (normal/usual).

News Anchor Tone

When listening to news, notice the serious, authoritative tone anchors use when saying '보편적'. Mimic this tone when you practice speaking the word.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine a 'BOw' (보) shooting an arrow 'PYEON' (편) everywhere across the globe, hitting every 'JEOK' (적 - target). It's a UNIVERSAL shot.

词源

Sino-Korean

文化背景

Carries a tone of intellectual rigor and objectivity. Not used for casual, trivial matters.

Formal, academic, and professional.

Deeply tied to the introduction of Western philosophical concepts (human rights, democracy) into Korea in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"당신이 생각하는 가장 보편적인 인간의 감정은 무엇인가요?"

"보편적 복지와 선별적 복지 중 어느 것이 더 낫다고 생각하십니까?"

"한국 문화가 세계적으로 인기를 끄는 보편적인 이유는 무엇일까요?"

"모든 문화에 적용될 수 있는 보편적 도덕 기준이 존재할까요?"

"예술 작품이 보편성을 획득하려면 어떤 요소가 필요할까요?"

日记主题

Write about a 'universal value' (보편적 가치) that you believe everyone should uphold.

Compare a specific cultural trait of your country with a universal human trait.

Argue for or against the implementation of Universal Basic Income (보편적 기본소득).

Reflect on a book or movie that touched upon a universal emotion.

Discuss the difficulty of finding universal truth in a diverse world.

常见问题

10 个问题

It is grammatically possible but sounds very unnatural. '보편적' carries a philosophical or formal weight. For everyday habits, use '일반적' (general) or '보통' (usually). Save '보편적' for big concepts like human rights or emotions.

'일반적' means general or common, applying to the majority of cases but allowing for exceptions. '보편적' means universal, applying to all cases everywhere without exception. '일반적' is statistical; '보편적' is absolute.

You add the particle '으로' to make '보편적으로'. This translates to 'universally' or 'generally'. For example, '보편적으로 인정받다' means 'to be universally recognized'.

The most direct antonym is '특수적' (specific, particular). If you are talking about the noun forms, the opposite of '보편성' (universality) is '특수성' (particularity).

It is technically a noun (보편) with the suffix (적). In Korean grammar, it functions as a determiner (관형사) when placed directly before a noun, or as a noun that takes the copula '이다' to act as an adjective/predicate.

It means 'universal welfare'. It refers to a welfare system where benefits (like healthcare or education) are provided to all citizens regardless of their income level. This is a major political topic in Korea.

It sounds a bit strange. You would usually say '평범한 사람' (an ordinary person) or '일반적인 사람' (a general/average person). '보편적' is better suited for concepts, values, or phenomena, not individual people.

It frequently appears in the advanced reading sections (questions 30-50) and is highly recommended for use in the question 54 essay. You might need to distinguish its meaning from '일반적' or understand its role in a philosophical text.

The characters are 普 (보 - universal), 遍 (편 - everywhere), and 的 (적 - relating to). Knowing this helps you remember that it means something that spreads everywhere without limits.

Yes, in formal writing or compound nouns, dropping '인' is very common. '보편적 가치' and '보편적인 가치' both mean 'universal value', but '보편적 가치' sounds slightly more formal and established.

自我测试 180 个问题

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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